You can break a window to save a pet, but make sure you call police first

by Kahtia Hall, Eyewitness News

Credit: Donald Lee Pardue / CC BY 2.0 via MGN

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) —

A new law went into effect last year that allows people to save animals from hot cars even if it means breaking the window, but there are certain actions that need to be taken before any damage is done.

"If a citizen observes an animal in a vehicle and it appears their life is in danger due to lack of food, lack of water, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, as long as the citizen calls 911, and the citizen has a good faith belief that that animal is in danger, they can force entry into a vehicle for the sole purpose of rescuing the animal," said Sgt. Ryan Kroeker of the Bakersfield Police Department.

Kroeker said officers are usually dispatched to calls like this very fast, usually less than 15 minutes, so try and wait for the officers arrival before the "smashing-the-window-method" is used.

"If you have to save an animals life and the last-ditch effort, you've contacted 911, and you feel like you have to get the animal out to save its life, usually the side window is the best place to go," said Kroeker.

According to animal right's group PETA, hundreds of animals die every year from being left in hot cars due heat stroke or brain damage.